2025 Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Request for Applications

The New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS) is responsible for the administration of the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Assistance Grant Program and distributes funds to local community-based organizations and public agencies that provide services directly to victims. 

Direct assistance to crime victims includes crisis counseling, telephone and onsite information and referrals, criminal justice support and advocacy, shelter, therapy, and additional assistance. Funds may also be used to develop new programs that address emerging needs, gaps in services, and training of victim service advocates.

OVS encourages applicants to provide services that are culturally-specific, deeply embedded in their community, and/or are operated and led by and for the community or populations they serve. To help demonstrate need, OVS also encourages the use of local crime data and/or findings from other field research studies when applying. 

Below are documents and additional resources related to the 2025 VOCA Victim Assistance Grant Program.

Please note: Questions related to the information and requirements described in this RFA, must be submitted via email by end of day on February 7, 2025 to: [email protected].

OVS will host a VOCA Victim Assistance Grant Program RFA – Bidders' Conference Webinar on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 10:00am. 

This optional informational webinar is for all prospective applicants for the 2025 VOCA Victim Assistance Grant Program RFA and will highlight program requirements, demonstrate how to apply, and share information on required documents.

Participants are STRONGLY encouraged to register and join this information session, however, the webinar will be recorded and shared for those unable to attend.

click to register

• OVS Victim Assistance Program - Information about existing VAP services and the administration of VOCA funds in New York State.
• OVS Resource Connect - A concern-based search engine designed to help victims quickly locate services across New York State. 
• SFS Handbook - Handbook provides the knowledge and skills to support grants management activities using the Statewide Financial System (SFS).
• VOCA Final Rule - The U.S. Justice Department's Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) final rule guidance to implement the victim assistance formula grant program.
• VOCAPedia - An online resource that addresses allowability questions related to the VOCA funds.
• VOCA Side-by-Side - A side-by-side comparison of the VOCA Victim Assistance Guidelines and final rule.  
• VOCNA Project Overview - Published results and findings from the recent New York State Victims of Crime Needs Assessment and Gap Analysis (VOCNA) Project.